Earthen Vessels

I have always loved being physically active. When I was younger, I played basketball, eventually competing with the U.S. team against all-star teams in many countries. One of my greatest honors was carrying the American flag as captain of the U.S. team at the 1964 World Championship in Peru.

Although I haven’t played in decades, I can still feel the basketball in my hands, the sweat running off my body, and the tension of my muscles as they propelled me down the court and into the air for shots, rebounds, and passes. As an athlete, I felt totally alive. Now, at eighty-six, my body has lost its ability to jump, run, and move quickly.

As an older adult, I understand what today’s scripture means about the body being an earthen vessel. Earthen vessels do not last forever. They crumble and fall apart with time. Fortunately, as my body has gotten weaker, my inner spirit has gotten stronger.

When we’re young, trophies and championships mean so much, but with age comes the recognition that “In him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28, NRSVUE). Of course I miss my young, healthy body, but I’m convinced that my treasure, my inner spirit, is being transformed by God’s power. And when my earthen vessel crumbles beyond repair, I know that I will be with God. What greater victory is there?